Dream of Marine is coming to fruition

AFORMER Royal Marine who was seriously injured in Iraq has realised his dream of opening a gym. Alex Ivanoff, who has seen action in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, where he suffered a broken back, has launched Anytime Fitness by Central Square, Maghull, a 24-hour gym offering more than 850 “virtual” classes.

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson gave his backing to the venture, saying that it was small businesses such as Alex’s that kept the local economy moving.

Mr Esterson called for more help from the Government and councils for startups such as this.

Mr Esterson said: “This is a real good news story for the area.

“Alex has fought for this country and was seriously injured in the process.

“We should be doing all we can to help Alex make a success of this business.

“The Royal British Legion does a good job of supporting veterans who want to start a business and I think that more should be done to help.

“I asked Sefton Council what support was on offer.

“Business rates, for instance, are a huge burden and it’s time we had a complete overhaul of the rates system as they are a cost of doing business which has to be paid before the business has taken any money.”

Alex said: “I am an ex-Marine who served for nearly nine years.

“I saw action in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I was injured badly in Iraq but only realised recently that I broke my back.

“I have just been getting on with it really ever since.

“I have been a social worker working with young offenders and I have been a bodyguard in hostile environments such as Iraq, Libya and Somalia.

“After I was injured I decided to pack all that in and follow my dream, which was to open this gym.

“It has always been my aim to provide a facility that everyone feels safe and comfortable, to offer support and encouragement to all those who may feel intimidated at the thought of training in front of strangers.”

Alex said the gym offers a wide range of facilities: “We have state-of-the-art equipment, a studio with over 850 virtual classes, a functional space for you to get creative with your own circuits and get involved with crossfit type training.

“We have 34 live classes a week ranging from yoga to bootcamps.

“We have a large free weights area with 1 ton of weights and dumbells – 2.5kg up to 50kg.

“We have five decline benches and a huge variety of pin loaded machines.

“We have private bathrooms that can be used before or after work and of course we are open 24 hours.

“We have the best staff around that are always approachable and willing to help. We have a wonderful community feel.”

Alex agreed that business rates were an enormous barrier in getting a business off the ground.

But he has been able to challenge the valuation of the property and hopes his business rates will come down.

He said: “The rates I pay here are a huge burden.

“With help from an old friend who heard my story on the radio I have been able to challenge the rateable value, so I am hopeful there will be a reduction.

“Sefton Council business support also compared my rates to a nearby gym and found they were paying far less so we are exploring why that is.

“I am an ex-Marine and therefore used to battles.

“I will not shy away from the hard work ahead, but I feel like I have gone into battle with an arm tied behind my back when really there should be loads of support out there for new business owners such as me. “I just need a fighting chance.” The gym is offering two months’ free membership for anyone signing up in October